7. Postoperatively, a client's fingers are cold and pale. Which action should a nurse take?
. Apply warm blankets.
. Check oxygen saturation on finger.
. Encourage deep breathing.
. Check blood sugar.
Test-Taking Tip
Only one intervention will directly affect cold fingers.
Content Area: Adult Health, Circulation; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Non-pharmacological Comfort Interventions
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Answer 1 is correct because decreased blood flow can cause fingers to be pale and cool, such as one might see with Raynaud's phenomenon. Symptoms lessen when covered. Answer 2 is incorrect because oxygen saturation readings would be inaccurate if checked on a digit with poor blood flow. Answer 3 is incorrect because the problem is related to hypothermia, not hypoventilation. Answer 4 is incorrect because the fingers are cool and pale because of poor local blood flow. This is unrelated to blood sugar.